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Singing Lessons in Minnesota

What singing lessons cost across Minnesota, and how to find the right teacher.

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Marc Levesque updated 11/13/26 - 19 min read

Singing lesson prices across Minnesota

A one-hour singing lesson in Minnesota typically costs $60 to $95, and a half hour $33 to $52. Most towns sit close to that range. The Minneapolis area runs highest, up to $100 an hour.

Every town has two guides: a singing lessons guide, with local schools, events and places to play, and a costs guide, with that town's prices in detail.

Town30 minutesOne hourGuides
Minneapolis area
Minneapolis$33–$55$63–$100LessonsCosts
St. Paul$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Bloomington$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Brooklyn Park$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Plymouth$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Woodbury$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Lakeville$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Blaine$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Maple Grove$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Eagan$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Burnsville$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Coon Rapids$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Eden Prairie$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Apple Valley$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Edina$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Minnetonka$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
St. Louis Park$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Shakopee$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Cottage Grove$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Maplewood$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Richfield$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Inver Grove Heights$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Roseville$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Andover$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Savage$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Brooklyn Center$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Fridley$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Chaska$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Oakdale$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Ramsey$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Prior Lake$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Rosemount$32–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Elk River$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Shoreview$33–$53$60–$96LessonsCosts
Chanhassen$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
White Bear Lake$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Farmington$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Champlin$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
New Brighton$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Crystal$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Otsego$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Columbia Heights$33–$54$62–$99LessonsCosts
Hastings$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Lino Lakes$32–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Golden Valley$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
West St. Paul$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
New Hope$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Forest Lake$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
South St. Paul$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
St. Michael$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Stillwater$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Hopkins$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Anoka$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
Ham Lake$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Buffalo$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Hugo$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Monticello$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
Robbinsdale$33–$54$62–$98LessonsCosts
Rogers$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Waconia$33–$52$60–$96LessonsCosts
Lake Elmo$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Mounds View$33–$53$61–$97LessonsCosts
Vadnais Heights$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
North St. Paul$33–$53$61–$98LessonsCosts
Big Lake$33–$52$60–$95LessonsCosts
East Bethel$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Mendota Heights$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
North Branch$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Victoria$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts
Little Canada$33–$53$61–$96LessonsCosts
St. Cloud area
St. Cloud$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Sartell$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Sauk Rapids$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Duluth area
Duluth$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Hibbing$31–$43$56–$78LessonsCosts
Cloquet$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Mankato area
Mankato$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
North Mankato$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
St. Peter$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Faribault area
Faribault$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Northfield$32–$47$59–$87LessonsCosts
Other Minnesota towns
Albert Lea$32–$47$59–$86LessonsCosts
Alexandria$32–$49$59–$89LessonsCosts
Austin$32–$48$59–$87LessonsCosts
Bemidji$32–$50$59–$92LessonsCosts
Brainerd$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Fergus Falls$32–$50$59–$91LessonsCosts
Grand Rapids$32–$49$59–$90LessonsCosts
Hutchinson$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Marshall$33–$51$60–$93LessonsCosts
Moorhead$31–$44$58–$81LessonsCosts
New Ulm$32–$47$58–$85LessonsCosts
Owatonna$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Red Wing$32–$45$58–$82LessonsCosts
Rochester$31–$43$57–$79LessonsCosts
Willmar$32–$47$58–$86LessonsCosts
Winona$32–$48$59–$88LessonsCosts
Worthington$33–$51$60–$94LessonsCosts

Find a voice teacher for singing lessons in Minnesota

Browse Lesson With You voice teachers, start with a free 30-minute lesson, and choose the weekly length after the teacher hears the singer's goals and starting point.

5 singing instructors available in the next 5 days
Brianna Wilson

Brianna Wilson

Bachelor’s in SingingGreat with BeginnersPerformance ExpertGreat with All Ages
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 5 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Minnesota via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
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Taylor Deneen

Taylor Deneen

Top Rated 5.0
Bachelor’s in SingingAdult Learner FriendlyVersatile RepertoirePerformance Expert
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 13 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Minnesota via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
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Larissa Jones

Larissa Jones

Top Rated 5.0
Master’s in SingingImprovisation ExpertMulti-Genre SpecialistStudent Favorite
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 8 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Minnesota via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
Book Free Trial with Larissa
Marcus Peterson

Marcus Peterson

Top Rated 5.0
Bachelor’s in SingingFun & UpbeatGreat with All AgesWarm & Encouraging
Levels: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults
✅ Background Checked💬 Speaks: English🏆 Experience: 6 yrs of teaching💻 Lesson Format: Online in Minnesota via Zoom
Available:SMTWTFSMorningAfternoonEvening
$0 $35 / 30 minute trial
Book Free Trial with Marcus

How singing learning works in Minnesota

How does singing fit school music in Minnesota?

Singing in Minnesota schools usually means choir, but the first opportunity depends on the district. Saint Paul Public Schools offers optional choir instruction in grades 3–5, Minnetonka Public Schools starts choir in grade 5, and many districts begin in middle school. Public elementary and middle schools must offer at least three arts areas, though music need not be one of the two areas each student completes. Private lessons give you or your child individual vocal guidance before a school choir begins and alongside it.

When school music starts in Minnesota districts

Saint Paul Public Schools, District 625Choir at saint paul music academy3–5
Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Independent School District 196Choir at dakota hills middle school6
Spring Lake Park School District 16Choir at westwood5
Elk River Area Independent School District 728Choir at rogers middle school6
Willmar Public Schools - District 347Choir6
Northfield Public Schools, ISD #659Elementary choir4–5
Minnetonka Public SchoolsBand, orchestra, or choir5

Who runs what for Minnesota singers?

Minnesota has separate routes for school contests, honor choirs, and private study, so the right organization depends on your goal. The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) oversees high school solo, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble contests, while the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) selects high school singers for All-State Choir. The American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA-MN) runs honor choirs for grades 4–10. The Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA) offers voice contests and examinations, giving singers another path beyond school ensembles.

Who runs what in Minnesota

Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL)

Runs
Runs high school solo, small-ensemble, and large-ensemble contests.
For
Minnesota high school students

Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA)

Runs
Runs All-State Choir auditions and ensembles.
For
Eligible high school choir students

Minnesota Music Teachers Association (MMTA)

Runs
Offers voice contests and examinations.
For
Students of participating teachers

American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota (ACDA-MN)

Runs
Holds state honor choirs for grades 4–10.
For
Students in grades 4–10

Auditions and events in Minnesota

How does a singer reach Minnesota's top student honors?

Minnesota's top school honor route for singers is MMEA All-State Choir. An eligible sophomore or junior must be in good standing in a secondary-school choir, and a current teacher who belongs to MMEA and NAfME sponsors the audition. A homeschooled student can join that choir through shared-time participation. The 2027 audition platform opens January 1, and the sponsoring teacher must submit materials by noon March 2; a committee selects rosters in mid-April. Selected singers attend camp in Collegeville, then perform with the All-State groups in February 2028. MMTA's voice contest is a separate route, with preliminary and final rounds and winners advancing the following year.

The singing route in Minnesota, step by step

  1. School choirJoin a secondary-school choir and remain in good standing; homeschool students may take part through shared-time participation.
  2. Sponsored auditionA current MMEA and NAfME member teacher sponsors the audition; the 2027 platform opens January 1 and closes March 2 at noon.
  3. Roster selectionA committee selects All-State rosters in mid-April using audition scores and placement policies.

The Minnesota singing year

AugSepOctNovDecJanFebMarAprMayJunJul

MFMC State Student AuditionsEntry fee: $25 per categoryStart the piece Jul to Oct

Start the piece Jul to OctJan 25

Young Artist CompetitionRochester Chamber Music SocietyStart the piece Oct to Jan

Start the piece Oct to JanApr 10

Working on the event piece, 3 to 6 monthsEvent

What do auditions ask you to prepare?

For MMEA All-State Choir, a singer prepares separate continuous-take videos of scales, Alma del Coré, and a solo; none needs to be memorized. The scale is sung unaccompanied in the key for the student's voice type, without humming, and the solo must run two to four minutes. Piano accompaniment is allowed if it is part of the recording, and judges listen for tone, technique, rhythm, diction, intonation, and expressive musicianship. In weekly lessons, shaping a strong audition piece usually takes three to six months, leaving time to build reliable technique rather than simply polish the final recording.

What else is there to enter?

Singers who want a contest outside the school honor route can enter the Minnesota Music Teachers Association voice contest, where one repertoire selection carries through preliminary and final stages and winners advance the next year. For singers who prefer ensemble work, Minnesota State High School League contests include small and large vocal groups as well as solos, with regional timing set by each region. These options suit different temperaments: one centers on individual repertoire, while the other lets a singer contribute within a group.

Singing events in Minnesota, 2026–27

2027 All-State Auditions

Minnesota Music Educators Association

When
Auditions open January 1, 2027; deadline March 2, 2027. All-State camp July 27–31, 2027; February performances February 17–19, 2028.
Entry
$1,050 per student for 2027–28 All-State camp
Who
Minnesota high school students; see MMEA eligibility policies

MFMC State Student Auditions

Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs

When
Application deadline January 25, 2027; recording deadline January 31, 2027
Entry
$25 per category
Who
Minnesota high school juniors and seniors; teacher must be an MFMC member

Young Artists Competition

Golden Valley Orchestra

When
Auditions January 12 or 19, 2027; concert April 25, 2027
Entry
$60 per audition application
Who
Junior: up to 15; Senior: 16–19

Young Artist Competition

Rochester Chamber Music Society

When
April 10, 2027
Entry
Ask the organizer
Who
Students enrolled in Minnesota pre-college programs (K–12)

Homeschool and private school students

Minnesota resident homeschool students may take part in extracurricular activities through their resident district on the same basis as public school students. For MMEA All-State Choir, a homeschool singer must join a secondary-school choir through shared-time participation and remain in good standing, so a school choir connection is essential. That gives a student learning at home a route to the state's top school honor.

Starting at any age

Starting a child on singing

A child can begin singing lessons when they can follow a short musical idea and enjoy repeating it; there is no required starting age. One-on-one work gives you or your child room to build comfortable tone, listening, and confidence at an individual pace. That foundation supports singing in a school choir later, and it remains useful alongside rehearsals once a student joins one.

A teen in Minnesota

For a Minnesota teen aiming at All-State Choir, the main school route is designed for sophomores and juniors who remain active in a secondary-school choir through the following February performance. That makes a private lesson useful for building musicianship over time while school rehearsals develop ensemble skills. The route also depends on a sponsoring teacher, so a teen should talk with the school choir director early about eligibility and support. Students who want a contest route rather than an honor ensemble have a separate voice option through MMTA.

Starting or coming back as an adult

Adults are welcome to start singing or return after a long break, and there are community choruses to work toward. The Bloomington Chorale in Bloomington and Crescendo Community Chorus in the Twin Cities are non-audition options; the Central Minnesota Community Orchestra also welcomes adult musicians from St. Cloud, Sauk Rapids, and Little Falls, though it is for instrumentalists rather than singers. A teacher can meet you where you are and help you build toward singing with others.

Finding the right teacher

What should a good singing teacher do?

A strong singing teacher listens for healthy tone, clear diction, steady pitch, and expressive phrasing, then chooses work that fits the student's voice and goals. That matters in Minnesota, where All-State judging considers both technique and musicianship, but the right pace differs for a young beginner, a teen in school choir, and an adult returning to singing. Lesson With You teachers all hold at least a bachelor's degree in voice. You can choose a teacher yourself or ask us to recommend someone whose approach suits your age, goals, and personality.

How do live online singing lessons work?

A live Zoom singing lesson lets your teacher hear pitch, tone, diction, and phrasing in real time, then respond while you sing rather than after a recording. Set up in a quiet room with your device at face height and enough space to sing comfortably; a piano or accompaniment track is useful when your repertoire calls for it. Online lessons remove the commute and let you choose a teacher who fits instead of relying on the closest option. In Minneapolis or Bemidji, you get the same teacher choice and the same one-on-one weekly lesson. The first 30-minute lesson is free, with no payment method needed.

What $35 a week gets you at Lesson With You

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Singing in Minnesota

Where to hear singing

Minnesota offers several ways to hear singers and ensembles together. In Saint Paul, VocalEssence presents choral works, and Minnesota Opera gives young listeners a chance to hear staged singing. The University of Minnesota's 2027 Jazz Festival in Minneapolis is free and open to the public, offering another setting for listening to live musicians. Hearing different kinds of performances helps you or your child notice how vocal tone and phrasing change with the music.

Where to play with others

Young singers can find ensemble experience through youth choirs such as the free K–12 choirs at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna or the auditioned Austinaires and Choralaires in Austin. For adults, the Bloomington Chorale in Bloomington is a non-audition option. Singing with a group develops listening and blend in a way solo practice cannot, so these ensembles offer a practical next step beyond individual lessons.

Singing around Minnesota, area by area

Minneapolis area

Families in Minneapolis can hear vocal music in several settings. VocalEssence presents large-scale choral performances in the Cathedral of Saint Paul. Students of all ages can reserve free tickets to eligible Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concerts starting two weeks before each performance, an opportunity to hear how voices and instruments share musical space.

School year
Sep 8 to Jun 11, 37 lesson weeks (Minneapolis Public School District)

Duluth area

Duluth’s Music in the Park series brings free Tuesday concerts to summer evenings, giving families a relaxed way to hear live music. The Lake Superior Chamber Orchestra also performs in Duluth, with ticket options for children and college students. For a singer, hearing instrumentalists shape phrasing and dynamics can deepen musical listening.

School year
Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Duluth Public Schools)

St. Cloud area

In St. Cloud, Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota gives young singers an auditioned ensemble option, including places for Choristers and middle- and high-school singers. Its suggested minimum pledges differ by singer group, with flexible payment plans and financial flexibility. It offers a structured choice for a young singer ready to rehearse and perform with peers.

School year
Sep 2 to Jun 3, 37 lesson weeks (St. Cloud Area School District 742)

Rochester area

Rochester families can hear youth musicians through Southeastern Minnesota Youth Orchestras, which invites student musicians in grades 4–12 to audition for its season. For a singer, listening to a youth orchestra is a useful way to hear how a vocal line might fit with instrumental sound. The city also has a summer option in Riverside Music Series, with five free Sunday-evening concerts at Mayo Park in 2027.

Town guides
Rochester

Mankato area

In Mankato, the Serendipity Music Series offers free midweek, midday performances for the community. North Mankato’s Mankato Symphony Orchestra presents Symphony on the Prairie as a free-will-donation concert. Both make live music accessible to a family looking for ways to listen together and help a young singer hear varied musical expression.

School year
Sep 8 to Jun 10, 39 lesson weeks (Mankato Area Public Schools)

Faribault area

Faribault’s free Concerts in the Park run on Thursdays at the Historic Central Park Band Shell from mid-June through mid-August, offering summer listening close to home. In Northfield, St. Olaf Music Department events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. The contrast gives families a local outdoor concert and a campus performance option.

Town guides
Faribault, Northfield

Owatonna area

Owatonna gives young singers a direct way to sing with others: Trinity Lutheran Church offers three youth choirs for grades K–12, and registration is free. Downtown Thursdays brings free live music on the first Thursday of June through September, so a family can pair choir participation with summer listening in town.

School year
Aug 31 to Jun 4, 38 lesson weeks (Owatonna Public Schools)
Town guides
Owatonna

Austin area

Austin Public Schools’ Austinaires and Choralaires are auditioned vocal groups that perform at district events, music concerts, and some community events. The Austin Symphony Orchestra holds concerts at Austin High School’s Knowlton Auditorium unless otherwise noted, and children under 18 can attend free. These give young singers both a local vocal ensemble and a chance to hear orchestral music.

School year
Aug 19 to May 26, 38 lesson weeks (Austin Public Schools)
Town guides
Austin

A little singing history in Minnesota

Minnesota has a substantial public tradition of vocal performance, from the Minnesota Chorale, principal chorus of the Minnesota Orchestra in Minneapolis, to the large-scale choral work of VocalEssence in Saint Paul. Minnesota Opera also brings staged opera to Saint Paul, including works in its 2026–27 season. These organizations show that singing here spans chorus and opera, and that students can hear professional voices in several styles. Listening closely to live performances gives you or your child a practical sense of how breath, diction, and ensemble blend change with the music.

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose a teacher whose training, communication, and repertoire fit your goals and age. Lesson With You teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree in voice, and you can select one yourself or ask us to recommend a fit.

Yes, live video lessons let a teacher hear your pitch, tone, diction, and phrasing as you sing, then give immediate feedback. Weekly one-on-one Zoom lessons avoid a commute and let you work with a teacher who fits, wherever you live in Minnesota.

It depends on the district: Saint Paul Music Academy offers choir in grades 3–5, and Minnetonka offers choir beginning in grade 5, while many districts start choir in middle school. School music is one of Minnesota’s arts areas, but students are not required to take music as one of their two required arts areas.

A high school singer typically joins a secondary-school choir and auditions for MMEA All-State Choir as a sophomore or junior through a sponsoring teacher. Selected singers attend summer camp and perform with the All-State groups the following February.

Yes, Minnesota resident homeschool students may participate in resident-district extracurricular activities on the same basis as public school students. For MMEA All-State Choir, they must join a secondary-school choir through shared-time participation and remain in good standing.

A child can start when they can follow a short musical idea and enjoy singing it again; there is no required starting age. Lessons can build healthy vocal habits before school choir begins, which starts as early as grade 3 in Saint Paul Music Academy.

No, adults can begin or return to singing at any age, and Minnesota has non-audition community choirs such as the Bloomington Chorale and Crescendo Community Chorus. A teacher can start from your current experience and help you work toward singing with others.

Singing lessons in Minnesota typically cost about $71 an hour, or $33 to $52 for a half hour. Lesson With You charges per lesson with no term to sign up for, and the first lesson is free.